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Shaw (D2) guard Amir Hinton to declare for NBA Draft

It was fun while it lasted, but it seems Amir Hinton’s time at Shaw has come and gone.

The Philadelphia native won’t return for another run at the CIAA title, as a source told HBCU Gameday he would declare for the NBA Draft and begin his pro career. That news came on the heels of his 34-point performance in his team’s CIAA title loss to Virginia State on Saturday.

Hinton basically confirmed the report after the game in an Instagram post, writing he had played his last college game.

“I couldn’t be more grateful (SIC) for the opportunity to do what I love and play college basketball, and not be in the streets or doing something else,” he wrote.

It’s rare that a Division II player declares for the NBA Draft early, but scouts have been in attendance throughout the season, including the CIAA Tournament. The Cavaliers and Clippers are amongst the teams who have sent scouts to watch Hinton as he led his team to the title game.

He’s got the size and speed to play at the next level as a guard. And he sure knows how to score in a multiude of ways.

He left his mark in that one season scoring 30 or better 14 times, 40 or better five times, and set a Shaw record with 52 points at Tampa on Dec. 19. Hinton shot just under 49 percent from the field and 89 percent from the free throw line. However, Hinton showed he was more than just a scorer as he also averaged five rebounds and five assists per game.

If Hinton were to be drafted, he’d be the first Shaw player picked since Ronald “Flip” Murray in 2002. Hinton would be the first CIAA player picked since North Carolina Central’s David Young in 2004 and the first HBCU selection since Norfolk State’s Kyle O’Quinn in 2012. All three players were picked in the second round.